ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the two major techniques whose origins are most clearly physiological: biofeedback and progressive relaxation. Biofeedback differs from the other self-regulation techniques in several ways, specifically, in the use of physiological monitoring instruments, and in some of the peculiar physiological effects of biofeedback training. To summarize, three important features of biofeedback are: measuring an involuntary response, providing an external consequence of that response, and arranging appropriate motivating conditions. An important use of progressive relaxation is in reducing the stress of chemotherapy in cancer patients by helping them to relax. About 25" of cancer patients experience nausea and vomiting in anticipation of chemotherapy. The chapter explores the ability of human beings to heal themselves, maintain good health, and perhaps take their minds to places that used to be known only to the Eastern mystics. It deals with three methods that are more cognitively-oriented: hypnosis, autogenic training and meditation.
